Disk drive system having removable modules

ABSTRACT

A computer system providing for quick and simple installation of a removable module, the module having a disk drive unit, a carrier and a connector, into a base unit. The module achieves automatic connection with the base unit in response to a loading force for moving the module into a final assembled position in the base unit wherein the connector of the module engages a connector in the base unit. All required electrical transmission paths between the disk drive unit of the module and the base unit are completed upon insertion of the module into its final assembled position in the base unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/087,546filed May 29, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,757 which is a continuationof application U.S. Ser. No. 08/459,250 filed Jun. 2, 1995, now U.S.Pat. No. 5,764,434, issued Jun. 9, 1998, which is a continuation ofapplication U.S. Ser. No. 08/186,717 filed Jan. 25, 1994, now U.S. Pat.No. 5,563,748 issued Oct. 8, 1996, which is a continuation ofapplication U.S. Ser. No. 08/022,789 filed Feb. 23, 1993, now U.S. Pat.No. 5,327,308 issued Jul. 5, 1994, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser.No. 07/846,462, filed Mar. 3, 1992, now abandoned, which is a divisionof application U.S. Ser. No. 07/499,861 filed Mar. 26, 1990, now U.S.Pat. No. 5,122,914 issued Jun. 16, 1992, which is a division ofapplication U.S. Ser. No. 06/947,707 filed Dec. 30, 1986, now U.S. Pat.No. 4,912,580 issued Mar. 27, 1990, which is a division of applicationU.S. Ser. No. 06/707,154 filed Mar. 1, 1985, now abandoned, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 06/571,389 filed Jan. 17,1984, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,633,350 issued Dec. 30, 1986.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The parent application, U.S. Ser. No. 09/087,546, and U.S. Pat. No.4,912,580 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus which permits quick removal ofhigh capacity disk drive units from a receiving unit of a host computersystem. The apparatus further provides quick, simple installation of thedisk drive units into the computer system.

In order to provide greater flexibility in the operation of a computersystem it is often desirable to incorporate several disk drive unitsinto the system. Further, many applications permit the disk drive unitto be removed or interchanged for reasons of data security, backuppurposes or for expanding a system. While this is a desirable feature,previous systems have required the computer operator to manually removea number of connecting cables and to unscrew two thumb nuts to releasethe disk drive unit from its mounting in the host computer system.

Also in previous designs an occasional misalignment of ribbon cableconnectors during installation of the disk drive unit improperlyconnected the drive unit and or damaged pins on the disk drivecontroller. Further, extended cable lengths used in these systems couldresult in some data validity problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a disk drive information storage system whereinone or more disk drive carrier modules are detachably coupled with areceiving unit.

The invention provides a disk drive information storage systemcomprising a receiving unit having an electrical connector fittingsecured thereon for the transmission of control and data signals, a diskdrive carrier module for detachable coupling with said receiving unit,and having an electrical connector secured in fixed relation therewithfor mating with the electrical connector fitting of said receiving unit,said receiving unit and said disk drive carrier module havingcooperating positioning means automatically operable to position saidcarrier module in a final assembled position in relation to thereceiving unit with said electric connector of said carrier module inmating relation to the electrical connector fitting of said receivingunit.

The invention further provides a disk drive information storage systemof the foregoing type, with the carrier module having a carrier handledisposed for convenient carrying of the carrier module, and saidcooperating positioning means providing for interengagement of thecarrier module with the receiving unit solely by manipulation of saidcarrier module, and thereafter automatically guiding said carrier moduleinto said final assembled position as manual insertion force is appliedto said carrier handle.

The invention further provides in a disk drive information storagesystem, a receiving unit for the transmission of signals for the controlof a disk drive, and a disk drive carrier module containing a disk driveand constructed for detachable coupling with said receiving unit to forma disk drive system, said receiving unit having a receptacle arranged toreceive said carrier module and having carrier module guide means forguiding said carrier module during its insertion into said receptaclealong an insertion path, said receiving unit and said carrier modulehaving cooperating electrical connectors which are interconnected bymovement toward each and said guide means constraining said carriermodule such that the cooperating electric connectors automaticallyinterconnect with each other as the carrier module is inserted into saidreceptacle.

The invention also provides in a disk drive information storage system,a receiving unit for the transmission of signals for the control of adisk drive, and a disk drive carrier module for containing a disk drive,and for detachable coupling with said receiving unit to form a completedisk drive system, said carrier module having first and second mountinglug means for effecting an interengagement of the carrier module withthe receiving unit, said receiving unit having first retainer means forreceiving said first lug means with the carrier module in a tiltedorientation while accommodating a pivotable movement of the carriermodule about said first retaining means toward a fully assembledposition, and second latching type retainer means aligned with thesecond lug means in the tilted orientation of the carrier module suchthat the second lug means are automatically latched by the secondretainer means as the carrier module is pivoted about the first retainermeans into the fully assembled position, said lug means and saidretainer means being automatically operable to secure said carriermodule in said fully assembled position solely by manipulation of saiddata module as a whole.

Still further the invention provides in a disk drive information storagesystem as previously described, a disk drive carrier module of size toreceive any of a plurality of disk drive units having respectivedifferent mounting hole requirements, and said disk drive carrier modulehaving mounting means therein with patterns of mounting holes forselectively mounting any one of said plurality of disk drive units.

The present invention is directed to a disk drive carrier module whichis quick and simple to remove from a host computer system and which canbe quickly and accurately reinstalled in the system. A quick releasearrangement for the disk drive module eliminates all manual insertionsor extractions of connecting cables and automatically insures accuratepositioning of the electrical connectors during final assembly of thedisk drive module into the host computer system. This automaticpositioning arrangement preferably provides support for two disk drivecarrier modules.

Each module includes a carrier assembly to which a disk drive unit ismounted. The carrier assembly has an electrical connector member securedtherewith and aligned with respect to a path of movement of the carriermodule into its final installed operating position in the host computersystem. Ribbon cables interconnect the disk drive unit with theelectrical connector.

Each carrier module is mounted in the computer system in operativerelation to a receiving unit having an interconnect board. Theinterconnect board serves to accurately support an electrical connectorfitting which is connected to various computer system components inorder to establish the desired power, data and control signaltransmission paths as required. Each of the receiving units includes aguide mechanism which constrains the disk drive carrier module duringits final movement into operating position such that the electricalconnectors are automatically aligned and interconnected.

In one embodiment, after engagement of one end of a carrier assemblywith a receptacle of the receiving unit, the second end of the carrierassembly is brought into a final assembled position by a downward forcewhich separates latching members of one or more latching assemblieswhereby mounting lugs at the second end of the carrier assembly aremoved downward into engagement with cradling supports of the receivingunit receptacle. When the mounting lugs are fully seated in the supportsthe latching members are spring biased back to their normal latchingposition to positively secure the second end of the carrier assembly.Further, the electrical connector carried by the carrier assembly isautomatically connected to a receiving electrical connector fitting tointerconnect the electric circuit components as the mounting lugs areforced downward into the cradling supports. In a second embodiment,after initial interengagement and alignment of a carrier module with arecess or receptacle of the receiving unit, the carrier module isinserted longitudinally via precision guidance devices into its finalassembled and electrically interconnected condition, and automaticallylatched in its operating position.

During removal of a disk drive carrier module from the computer system,a handle of the carrier assembly is manually engaged and the forceapplied to the handle automatically effects disengagement of allelectrical connections during removal of the carrier module from itsreceptacle.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a quick releasedisk drive carrier module which eliminates all manual insertions orextractions of electrical cables normally associated with installing orremoving a disk drive from a computer system.

It is another object of this invention to provide a disk drive systemwhich provides automatic electrical connections when the disk drive isinstalled in a computer system.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a cooperatinglatching and positioning arrangement which provides quick and accurateinstallation of a disk drive module in a computer system and whicharrangement provides automatic electrical connections to the disk drivewith its installation.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an arrangement forretaining a disk drive carrier module in a computer system which isautomatically electrically releasable solely in response to manualforces applied to the carrier module.

These and other objects, advantages and novel features of the presentinvention, as well as details of illustrated embodiments thereof, willbe more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic plan view of a computer systemincorporating disk drive carrier modules which are supported in apositioning and positive latching system constructed in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the latchingsystem shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a enlarged vertical sectional view taken generally along theline III--III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken generally along the lineIV--IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken generally along theline V--V of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken generally alongthe line VI--VI of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view taken generally along the lineVII--VII of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a somewhat diagrammatic partial plan view of a secondembodiment of a disk drive information storage system in accordance withthe present invention showing, a first disk drive carrier module infully assembled position and showing a second disk drive carrier modulein the process of being inserted into a receptacle of the receivingunit;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial side elevational view of the receivingunit having a fully assembled disk drive carrier module therein, andwith portions broken away and in section to show interior construction;

FIG. 10 is a partial further enlarged longitudinal sectional viewshowing a rear portion of the receiving unit and an associated diskdrive carrier module latched in operating position in its receptacle;

FIG. 11 is a somewhat diagrammatic partial vertical transverse sectionalview showing the receiving unit from the front, the right handreceptacle being empty to better illustrate the carrier module guidemeans and the electrical connector fitting mounted at a fixedpredetermined relationship to the guide means for automaticinterconnection with an electrical connector on the carrier moduleduring insertion of the carrier module into the receptacle;

FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged longitudinal sectional view takengenerally along the line XII--XII of FIG. 11, and showing cooperatingelectrical connectors of the receiving unit and of a disk drive carriermodule in the process of being interconnected;

FIG. 13 shows a carrier module locking circuits component associatedwith a main power connector for insuring that a carrier module is notremoved until the disk in the carrier module has stopped spinning;

FIG. 14 shows a circuit for implementing the carrier module lockingmeans of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic illustration showing a plan view of a diskdrive module corresponding to that of FIG. 1; and indicating by dottedlines the rotary disk information storage means, the disk rotary drivemeans for effecting disk rotation, and the information transducer meansfor effecting disk scanning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a disk drive module 10 providing storage for data on amagnetic storage disk in a high capacity disk drive unit 11, such as aWinchester unit or the like. The disk drive module 10 includes a diskdrive carrier assembly 12 which provides a mounting hole arrangementwhich is capable of accepting virtually any 51/4" hard disk drive aswell as some floppy disk drives. The module 10 is supported on areceiving unit which includes a base unit 13 and forms a fixed member ina host computer system 15. Preferably, the receiving unit of thecomputer system includes a second base unit 13a providing a receptaclefor a second disk drive module 10a (shown in phantom in FIG. 2). Thesecond fixed base unit 13a is also fixedly secured within wallenclosures of the system 15.

Each carrier assembly such as assembly 12 of the module 10 comprises aremovable carrier frame 17 having a bottom plate 18; a pair of sidewalls 19 and 20; an outer end wall 21 and an inner end wall 22. Theinner wall extends above adjacent side walls 19 and 20 and is providedwith a carrier handle opening 23, FIG. 3, whereby the inner end of thecarrier frame may be grasped by computer operator for installation orremoval of the module from the receiving unit of the computer system 15.

An access opening 25, FIG. 3, is provided in the bottom plate 18,adjacent the inner side wall 22 and having an "Eurocard" type electricalconnector 26 mounted to the carrier frame 17 immediately above andaligned with the access opening. A pair of clamping fixtures 27 and 28retain the connector 26 mounted to the carrier frame 17 immediatelyabove and aligned with the access opening. A pair of clamping fixtures27 and 28 retain the connector 26 in a precise rigid position relativeto the carrier frame 17. The clamping fixtures 27 and 28 are providedwith a retaining channel 30 to support opposed extended end portions 31of the connector 26. As best seen in FIG. 5 the clamping fixtures aresecured against the end wall 22 by bolts 32 threaded into nuts 33. Thenuts 33 form a unified portion of retaining plates 34 and 35 which areadapted to retain the end portions 31 of the connector in the channels30. Thus it will be seen that the clamping fixtures together with theretaining plates 34 and 35 and the end wall 22 fixedly position theconnector 26 in a precise orientation. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 aninsulating material 36 is interposed between the clamping fixtures andthe end wall 22.

Connecting pins 37, extending upward from the electrical connector 26serve as attachment means for a terminal end of ribbon cables 38 and 39which provide electrical communication with the disk drive unit 11. Eachcarrier assembly is additionally provided with an inner and outer pairof mounting lugs 40 and 41. The mounting lugs are substantiallyidentical and affixed to opposite ends of the side walls 19 and 20 bymeans of machine screws threaded into nuts 40a which are recessed intoexterior surfaces of the mounting lugs as shown in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4 it can be seen that the fixed base units 13and 13a are fastened down to a base plate 42 of the computer system 15by means of screws 43. Further an interconnect board 44 is positionedbetween inner ends of the base units 13 and 13a and is attached theretoby means of nut and screw connections 45. Adjacent each of these pointsof interconnection, electrical connector fittings 50 and 51 areaccurately positioned and secured by means of screws fasteners or thelike.

Electrical communication lines 52 and 53 extend from the fittings 50 and51 respectively to related computer system components as required.Herein, the lines 52 and 53 are shown as ribbon connector cables,connected to a hard disk controller board 55, although various otherelectrical communication arrangements may be utilized in such a system,such as printed circuits or combinations of printed circuits and shortribbon cable jumpers.

As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 7 each fixed base unit 13 and 13aincludes a pair of guide and retaining brackets 60, at a location remotefrom the connector fittings, and a pair of positive latching devices 61positioned at predetermined locations adjacent the connector fittings.The guide and retaining brackets 60 comprise upturned side portions 62of the base units with plastic insert members 63 bolted thereon toprovide a guiding and retaining function for the mounting lugs 41 of themodules as will be described hereafter.

Each of the latching devices 61 includes an upturned inner side portion65 of the base unit having an upwardly diverging recess 66 formedtherein with a semi-circular seat portion 67. The seat portions areadapted to cradle the mounting lugs 40. Each latching device 61 furtherincludes a pair of latching or clamping jaws 68 pivotally supported onstuds 69 affixed to the inner side portion 65 and equally spaced,horizontally from the seat portion 67. A second stud 70, horizontallyspaced from each stud 69, cooperates with an arcuate guide slot 71 tolimit pivotal movement of the jaws 68. Further, a torsion spring 73 isprovided to urge each of the jaws 68 to an upright latching position,wherein a latching surface 74 on complementary pairs of jaws complete asubstantial encirclement of the mounting lugs 40. The seat portion 67provides the encirclement about the lower portion of the lugs 40.

Nuts 64 retain the clamping jaws 68 and the springs 73 on theirrespective mounting studs 69 and 70. An additional stud 75 and nut 76carried on the upper end of the jaws 68, serve to retain an extended legof the torsion spring 73 in a biasing orientation. With the mountinglugs 41 at the outer end of the module supported in the brackets 60 andthe mounting lugs 40 at the inner end secured in the latching devices 61the disk drive module 10 is in a desired operating position relative tothe base unit 13 and at the same time the connector fitting 50 iselectrically engaged with connecting pins 37a of the electricalconnector 26, extending downward through the access opening 25.

The Eurocard type connector in addition to transmitting control and datasignals provides self diagnostic circuits to indicator lights 78, FIG.1, which signal that a proper electrical connection has been made, thatthe required voltage is available and which of the two disk drivemodules has been selected for operation.

To quickly and easily remove a disk drive module 10 from a base unit 13of the computer system 15, power is switched off and the drive unit isallowed to spin down. When the disks have stopped rotating, the computeroperator grasps the carrier handle 23 and pulls upward causing themounting lugs 40 to cam open the clamping jaws 68 as seen at the left inFIG. 2. The lugs move upward between the jaws in a pivotal motion aboutthe mounting lugs 41 which are still retained in the brackets 60. Duringthis pivotal motion the electrical connections are severed.

Thereafter, as the lugs 40 clear the latching devices 61, the lugs 41are moved longitudinally along a guide surface 80 of the insert members63 and out of the retaining pockets or open slots 81 defined therein.The entire disk drive module 10 is now free to be removed.

When installing a disk drive module 10 in the computer system 15, theoperator positions the carrier assembly 12 between the pair of guide andretaining brackets 50 with the mounting lugs 41 angled downward to reston the guide surfaces 80. Thereafter the module is moved longitudinallyalong the surface 80 and into engagement with the retaining pockets 81.Then the inner end of the carrier assembly is pivoted downward about theaxis of the mounting lugs 41 and into contact with upper camming faces82 of the clamping jaws 68. The mounting lugs 40 cam open the jaws 68against the bias of the springs 73 to pass downward into the seatportions 67 of the latching devices 61. At this point the latchingsurfaces 74 of the jaws 68 will have enclosed about the upper portionsof the lugs 40 to positively secure the disk drive module 10 in aprecise operating position. The camming faces 82 further insure properorientation of the carrier assembly 12 relative to the fixed base andthe connector fitting during the final pivotal movement of installation.This insures that a proper electrical connection will be made withoutdamaging the connecting pins 37a. Thus all the required electricaltransmission paths are automatically completed with installation of thedisk drive module 10.

Although the teachings of my invention have herein been discussed withreference to a specific embodiment, it is to be understood that theseare by way of illustration only and that variations and modificationsmay be effected. For example, if desired only a single disk drive modulemay be incorporated into the computer system, or in some applications itmay be desirable to utilize three or more units. Accordingly, it shouldbe understood that I wish to embody within the scope of the patentwarranted hereon all such modifications as reasonably and properly comewithin the scope of my contribution to the art.

Description of FIGS. 8-12

FIG. 8 shows disk drive modules 10-1 and 10-2 which generally correspondwith the disk drive module 10 of FIG. 1 in providing storage for data orother information, for example by means of magnetic storage disks inrespective high capacity disk drive units, such as Winchester units orthe like. Respective disk drive units are indicated at 11-1 and 11-2 inFIG. 8. Each disk drive module includes a disk drive carrier assemblysuch as 12-1 which provides a mounting hole arrangement capable ofaccepting virtually any 51/4" hard disk drive as well as some floppydisk drives.

The disk drive carrier modules 10-1 and 10-2 are shown as beinginsertable into respective side-by-side receptacles such as 101 of areceiving unit 102. The receiving unit includes a chassis 103 on whichvarious system components are mounted, and a cooperating top cover 104.By way of example, the receiving unit 102 may serve as an informationstorage expansion system for addition to a computer system whichincludes a central processing unit with integrated floppy disk storagedevices, and further auxiliary devices such as a keyboard and monitor,and a printer.

Each carrier assembly such as 12-1 comprises a bottom wall 108, FIGS. 9and 10, side walls 109, 110, FIG. 8, a rear wall 111, FIGS. 9 and 10,and a front wall 112. The front wall 112 is provided with a carrierhandle 114 which may be grasped by the operator in transporting thecarrier module, and in inserting and removing the carrier module withrespect to its receptacle in the receiving unit.

An aperture in the rear wall 111 allows the mating end of an electricalconnector 115 of each carrier module to project rearwardly for automaticinterconnection with cooperating connector fittings 116 of the receivingunit.

The particular disk drive such as unit 11-1 which is mounted in eachrespective carrier module is electrically connected with the connector115 by means of ribbon cables such as 118 and 119 and releasableconnector terminal means corresponding to that shown in FIG. 3 forribbon cables 38 and 39. It will be noted that ribbon cables 118 and 119are of minimum length and extend between the rear end of the particulardisk drive unit such as 11-1 and the adjoining connector 115. The ribboncables 118 and 119 extend between parts all of which are secured withthe carrier module, so that the ribbon cables 118 and 119 need notinclude extra length to accommodate a disassembly operation or the like.

Similarly, the electrical wiring such as indicated at 121, 122 and 123in FIG. 8 which leads to the electrical connector fitting 116 of thereceiving unit, extends between parts which are all secured with thechassis 103. All electrical connections between the receiving unit andthe carrier modules are completed automatically as the carrier modulesare inserted into their receptacles, and there is no need for manualgrasping of ribbon cables and manipulation thereon to complete theelectrical connections.

As best seen in FIG. 10, the receiving unit has latching members such as124 which are pivotally mounted as at 125 so that a latching nose 126projecting from member 124 engages a cam face 127 at the rear of thecarrier module side wall 109 as the carrier module is inserted into itsreceptacle. A compression spring 128 acts to urge the latching member124 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 10, while allowing thelatching member to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction about pivot125 in response to cam face 127. The carrier module side wall 109 has arecess 129 into which the latching nose 126 pivots as the carrier modulereaches its final assembled position. By way of example, the latchingmembers such as 124 may be of rigid synthetic (plastic) material such asnylon.

A solenoid 130 has an armature extension 131 pivotally connected withthe latch member 124 at 132. In deenergized condition of solenoid 130,the spring 128 holds a rear edge face of nose 126 in confrontingrelation to a rear wall of recess 129 so as to lock the carrier modulein its receptacle. Upon energization of solenoid 130, however, thearmature extension 131 is retracted against the action of spring 128, tolift nose 126 to position 126', FIG. 10, clear of recess 129, therebyallowing manual removal of the carrier module from its receptacle. Withsolenoid 130 energized, the handle 114 can be grasped and the carriermodule removed, simultaneously effecting disconnection of the electricalconnectors such as 115, 116, FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 9, a front cover 140 is shown which is secured to thefront edge of chassis 103. The cover 140 has an access opening 141 whichis defined by inturned flanges such as 140a and 140b which tend tosupport and guide the carrier modules 10-1 and 10-2 as they are beingmanually positioned for insertion into the respective receptacles. Thefront surface of the cover 140 has a sloping front panel configurationat 140c so that flange 140a at the lower edge of opening 141 is moreaccessible for initially supporting the rear edges of the carriermodules during their alignment with the receptacles.

The chassis 103 includes an upturned front flange 103a, FIG. 9, whichhas a height corresponding to the vertical height of the front cover 140and has rectangular apertures such as 142 formed therein correspondingto the cross sectional dimensions of the respective carrier modules. Ascan be seen in FIG. 9, the plate defining front wall 112 of each carriermodule abuts against a margin of the respective receiving aperturedefined by flange 103a when the carrier module has been fully insertedinto its receptacle. The sides and rear of the carrier modulereceptacles are provided by an open enclosure frame 150, FIG. 9. A rearwall 151 of the enclosure frame 150 has a lower outturned flange 151awhich is fastened to chassis 103. The enclosure frame 150 also providesside walls 152, 153, FIG. 8, having outturned flange portions at theupper margins thereof such as indicated at 152a and 152b, FIG. 9, whichcarry solenoid mounting plates 154 at each side of the enclosure frame.

As seen in FIG. 10, the top edge of each side wall of the enclosureframe has a relatively shallow notch at 155 and a relatively deepernotch at 156. The shallower notch at 155 accommodates movement of thenose portion 126 of latch member 124 to its latching position when thenotch 129 reaches the position shown in FIG. 10.

The deeper notch 156. FIG. 10, accommodates a mechanical sensor element158 of a microswitch assembly 159. As shown in FIG. 8, the sensorelement 158 projects through notch 156 and into receptacle 101 untilsuch time as the carrier module 12-1 deflects the sensor element as thecarrier module moves into the receptacle. Thus, when microswitchassembly 159 is in nonactuated condition, the associated receptacle doesnot have a fully inserted carrier module.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rear wall 151 of the enclosure frameincludes rectangular openings 161 which receive the forward portions ofthe respective connector fittings 116. By way of example, each fitting116 may have a pair of alignment holes 162, 163 and two rows ofelectrical contact sockets 164. By way of example, in addition toalignment pins 165, 166, FIG. 11, there may be sixty pins 167, FIG. 12,on each connector 115 for fitting into respective sockets 164 of eachconnector fitting 116. As shown in FIG. 12, the alignment pins such as165 have tapered tip ends, and the alignment holes have frustoconicalentrance portions 162a for correcting any slight misalignment before thecontact pins 167 reach their respective contact sockets 164.

The precise guidance of the carrier modules such as 12-1, FIG. 11, iscarried out by guide means including supporting guide rails shown at171, 172 and 173 of synthetic (plastic) material such as nylon. The siderails 171 and 173 provide smooth broad support surfaces 171a, 173ahaving a relatively substantial width dimension, for example one-halfinch (1.27 centimeter). The center guide rail has a center ridge 172aseparating support surfaces 172b and 172c each of which may have thesame width as support surfaces 171a and 173a.

To complete the low friction precision guidance for the carrier modules,abrasion resistant lateral guide strips 181 and 182, FIG. 11, aresecured to the inner sides of side walls 152 and 153 of the enclosureframe.

Suitable manually actuated switches may be located at the front cover140 at 183 and 184 for manual depression to energize the respectivesolenoids 130 until such time as the associated disk drive carriermodule has been retracted from its receptacle to a position such asindicated for carrier module 10-1 in FIG. 8. At this time, sensorelement 158 is cleared, allowing it to return to its non-actuatedposition whereby the energizing circuit for the associated solenoid 130may be interrupted to deenergize the solenoid.

In loading a disk drive carrier module, the handle 114 may be graspedwith one hand while the other hand guides the carrier module into thefront access opening 141, FIG. 9, in alignment with the desiredreceptacle such as 101. FIG. 8. The extended lower flange 140a and thesloping front panel 140c with side flanges such as 140b facilitate theinitial alignment of the carrier module and its engagement with thesupporting surfaces such as 171a, 172b, FIG. 11. The rectangularapertures such as 142, FIG. 9, in the upstanding chassis flange 103ainsure that the carrier modules are smoothly guided into theirrespective receptacles with lateral guidance thereafter being effectedby means of the center guide ridge 172a, FIG. 11, in conjunction withthe outer lateral guide strips 181 and 182. The carrier modules have arounded rear lower margin at 185 to further facilitate insertion intothe respective receptacles.

The guidance means 171-173 and 181-182, FIG. 11, are disposed with aprecision such that the alignment pins such as 165, FIG. 12, arereliably interengaged with the receiving alignment holes 162, 163; theinterengagement of the alignment or pilot means 162, 163, 164, 165 inturn insures the precise alignment of the electrical contact pins 167 ofconnectors 115 with the contact sockets 165 of the fixed connectorfittings 117 as the carrier modules complete their insertion movement.Thus the carrier module electric circuits are reliably automaticallyinterconnected with the circuits of the receiving unit simply by pushingthe carrier modules into their receptacles.

The cam means 127, FIG. 10, on each carrier module automatically liftthe latch members 124 to the position indicated at 124' as the carriermodules approach the fully inserted position; thereafter springs such as128, FIG. 10, press the latches 124 into latching engagement withnotches 129 of the carrier modules to latch the carrier modules in thefully assembled position as shown in solid outline in FIG. 10.

It will be apparent that many modifications and variations may be madewithout department from the scope of the teachings and concepts of thepresent invention.

Description of FIGS. 13 and 14

In the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the system of FIGS. 8-12 isprovided with a single interconnect board 200 for mounting two sixty pinconnectors 116-1 and 116-2, each corresponding to connector 116 of FIG.8, and the connectors 116-1 and 116-2 being physically arranged so as toautomatically connect with connectors such as 115, FIG. 8, on therespective carrier modules 10-1 and 10-2, FIG. 8. FIG. 13 shows furtherconnectors 201-204 which are mounted on the board 200 for providingcommunication with the host computer system.

Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown extending from connector 201 atristate bus 206 leading to the connectors 116-1 and 116-2 viarespective branches 206-1 and 206-2. The connectors 202 and 203 lead toa signal bus 207 for the first disk drive associated with connector116-1 and to a signal bus 208 for the second disk drive associated withconnector 116-2, respectively. The connector 204 supplies a power bus211 for the first disk drive under the control of power switch contactsSW1, and supplies a power bus 212 for the second drive under the controlof power switch contacts SW2. The manually operated switches 183 and184, FIG. 8, may control contacts SW1 and SW2, respectively, such thatsuccessive manual actuations of the switches alternately open and closethe contacts. The circuitry of board 200 enables the selectivedisconnection of power from either one of the disk drives and removal ofthe associated carrier module from its receptacle without affecting theoperation of the remainder of the system. The board 200 provides signalline terminating resistors as indicated at 214 to replace thecorresponding resistors which are normally located on only one drive.The bus 206 provides a respective single drive select signal line e.g.to pin 47 of connectors 116-1 and 116-2, eliminating the requirement tocut the drive select shunts on the disk drives 11-1 and 11-2. FIG. 8.Providing signal termination component 214 and discrete disk driveselection makes the set up for both of the drives 11-1 and 11-2identical.

FIG. 13 shows means 230 on the circuit board 200 for sensing when poweris removed from one of the disk drives and for insuring that theassociated carrier module is not removed from its receptacle until thedisk in the carrier module has stopped spinning. A specific exemplarycircuit for this purpose is illustrated in FIG. 14. The circuit of FIG.14 receives as its control input a twelve volt power line 231, FIG. 13,which reflects the condition of contacts SW1 of switch 183. An analogoustwelve volt power line 232, FIG. 13, reflects the condition of contactsSW2 of switch 184, and may control a second circuit corresponding tothat shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 14, the carrier module locking means 230of FIG. 13 is implemented as a circuit which prevents energizing of thelatch control solenoids such as 130, FIG. 10, until a suitable timedelay after the associated disk drive has been deenergized. As shown inFIG. 10, as long as solenoid 130 remains deenergized, the associatedcarrier module is positively held in its receptacle by means of latch126. It is found that if removal of the carrier module is prevented fora specific time such as forty-five seconds that the drive is reliablyprevented from being moved until the disk in the drive has stoppedspinning. In the illustrated embodiment, switches 183 and 184, FIG. 8,are illuminated switches, and the circuit of FIG. 14 causes the switchwhich has been actuated to open circuit condition to blink during thespin down time of the associated drive. When the timing cycle iscompleted, the switch remains deenergized. As the drive is removed fromits receptacle, a mechanical sensor such as 158, FIG. 8, is released,opening contacts of a microswitch 159, FIG. 8.

In FIG. 14, a portion of the circuit 230 which is applicable to the lefthand receptacle 101, FIG. 8, is illustrated. Thus, FIG. 14 has beencorrelated with FIGS. 8-13, by showing solenoid 130, microswitch 159,switch 183 and power line 231. In FIG. 14, the illumination meansassociated with switch 183 is indicated at L1, and the switch contactsassociated with switch 159 are designated by reference numeral 241. FIG.14 shows the condition of contacts SW1 of manual switch 183 and ofcontacts 241 of microswitch 159, corresponding to the position ofcarrier module 10-1 in FIG. 8. In this condition, illumination means L1is deenergized. In FIG. 14, astable oscillator 242 has an output line243 supplying a time base for the solenoid locking circuits for therespective receptacles. Thus line 244 may lead to a circuit similar tothat shown in FIG. 14 for controlling the latch control solenoid of thesecond receptacle, for example the right hand receptacle as viewed inFIG. 8. The line 245 then serves to supply time base pulses to thecircuit associated with the left hand receptacle which is specificallydesignated by reference numeral 101 in FIG. 8.

Reference numeral 247 designates a counter circuit which may be held ina reset condition via line 249 so long as switch contacts SW1, FIG. 13,are closed and energizing power is supplied to the associated connector116-1, FIG. 13. A flip-flop circuit 250 is also held reset via a line251. With flip-flop 250 reset, output 252 is at a high logic level, thisoutput being the complement of the output at 253. With a groundpotential at output 253, transistor 255 is nonconducting, and solenoid130 is held deenergized. Output 257 from counter 247 and output 252 offlip-flop 250 may be such in the reset condition of these componentsthat transistor 250 is in a conducting state and lamp L1 is illuminated.This represents the operating state with a disk drive in place andenergized.

When it is desired to remove the disk drive associated with the circuitof FIG. 14, switch 183 is actuated to place contacts SW1, FIG. 13, inopen circuit condition, removing all power from connector 116- 1. Theswitch SW1 may include individual contact means 258, FIG. 14,controlling the supply of twelve volt power to connector 116-1 and totwelve volt power line 231. Opening of contact means 258 removes thevoltage from lines 249 and 251 so that counter 247 and flip-flop 250become active. At selected counting states of counter 247, line 257 ismomentarily driven to a high logic state, causing transistor 250 toswitch off momentarily and lamp L1 to blink. By way of example, lamp L1may blink twice per second during the counting cycle of counter 247.Flip-flop 250 remains reset until the completion of the counting cycle,for example covering a time interval of about forty-five seconds. At theend of the counting cycle of counter 247, output 255 thereof goes high,triggering flip-flop 250. At this time output 253 of flip-flop 250 goeshigh, turning on transistor 255 and energizing solenoid 130 to shift thelatch to its release position shown at 126', FIG. 10. The carrier module10-1 may now be removed whereupon microswitch 159 is released to itsnormally open position. With the carrier module 10-1 removed, contacts241 of microswitch 159 are in open condition, deenergizing solenoid 130.

When a carrier module such as 10-1 is inserted into receptacle 101 asindicated in FIG. 8, a ground clip (not shown) on the end wall of thereceptacle engages the rear wall of the carrier module and removesstatic charge before the pins 167, FIG. 11, engage with the connector115-1, FIG. 13. By way of example, the tapered configuration at 162a and165, FIG. 12, may allow for a slight misalignment between locating pins165, 166 and sockets 162, 163, e.g. plus or minus seven and one-halfmils (±0.0075 inch). With the carrier module 10-1 in operating position,switch 183 may be actuated to supply operating power to the connector115-1.

Exemplary Details

By way of example, guides 171, 172 and 173 may be formed of "Nylatron"which is an engineering plastic formulated from nylon having embeddedgranulated glass fibers and impregnated with molybdenum disulfide, sothat the guides are effectively self-lubricating.

In a specific implementation of component 230, FIG. 13, the time basecircuit 242, FIG. 14, utilized a type LM 555 integrated circuit whoseoutput was coupled to the counting inputs of two type 4020 14-stageripple carry binary counters. One such counter served as component 247,FIG. 14, with pin 9, the Q1 output being connected with line 257 andwith pin 12, the Q9 output, being connected with line 255. A dual Dflip-flop circuit type 4013 provided a flip-flop for controlling eachsolenoid. NAND gates such as 261-263, FIG. 14, were provided by a type4011 quad two-input NAND gate circuit.

The foregoing illustrated embodiments show systems which are insuccessful operation. Such systems are given by way of example only, andthe scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF FIG. 15

FIG. 15 shows a disk drive module 15-10 corresponding to disk drivemodule 10 of FIG. 1 The disk drive module of FIG. 15, as described withreference to FIG. 1, may comprise a high capacity disk drive unit 15-11,such as a Winchester unit, and a disk drive carrier assembly or diskdrive mounting assembly 12. Component 12 of FIG. 15 may be identical tothe disk drive carrier assembly of FIGS. 1-7, and accordingly, the samereference numerals have been applied to this component in FIG. 15.

As is well known in the art, a complete high capacity disk drive unitsuch as represented in FIG. 15 is comprised of rotary disk informationstorage means (indicated diagrammatically at D in FIG. 15), disk rotarydrive means (indicated diagrammatically at M in FIG. 15) and diskscanning information transducer means (indicated diagrammatically at Tin FIG. 15). The module 15-10 of FIG. 15 may be termed a self-containedportable disk drive module.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possiblein light of the above teachings. Thus, it is to be understood that,within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practicedotherwise than as described hereinabove.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. Adata storage system comprising:a base unit having a power source and afirst plurality of conductors fixedly secured therein; a removablemodule insertable into said base unit, said removable module having adisk drive unit, said disk drive unit having a transducer for convertinginformation stored on an information storage disk into electricalsignals, a motor for affecting rotation of said information storagedisk, said motor utilizing power from said power source of the base unitfor operation, and a housing; a carrier for mounting said disk driveunit therewith; and a second plurality of conductors fixedly secured atan end of said removable module, said second plurality of conductorsbeing operatively coupled to said disk drive unit; said second pluralityof conductors of said removable module being engageable in matingrelation to said first plurality of conductors of said base unit inresponse to a loading force for moving said removable module into afinal assembled position in said base unit wherein all requiredelectrical transmission paths between said base unit and said disk driveunit are completed; a visual indicator for indicating to a user thatsaid removable module is in said final assembled position; and saidremovable module being removable from said final assembled position insaid base unit without affecting operation of a remainder of the system.2. The data storage system of claim 1 wherein said visual indicatorcomprises a light source.
 3. The data storage system of claim 2 whereinsaid light source is energized when said removable module is in saidfinal assembled position.
 4. The data storage system of claim 3 whereinsaid light source is deenergized after said removable module is removedfrom said final assembled position.
 5. The data storage system of claim1 further comprising a sensor for sensing that said removable module isin said final assembled position.
 6. The data storage system of claim 5wherein said visual indicator is responsive to said sensor.
 7. The datastorage system of claim 1 wherein said visual indicator furtherindicates when said removable module becomes deenergized.
 8. The datastorage system of claim 7 wherein said visual indicator comprises alight source, and wherein said light source blinks when said removablemodule becomes deenergized.
 9. The data storage system of claim 1wherein said visual indicator further indicates when said removablemodule is removed from said final assembled position.
 10. The datastorage system of claim 1 further comprising a releasable lockingmechanism for locking said removable module in said final assembledposition.
 11. The data storage system of claim 1 further comprising afurther visual indicator for indicating to a user that said removablemodule is selected for operation.
 12. The data storage system of claim11 further comprising a sensor for sensing that said removable module isselected for operation, and wherein said further visual indicator isresponsive to said sensor.
 13. The data storage system of claim 11wherein said further visual indicator is a light source.
 14. The datastorage system of claim 13 wherein said light source is energized whensaid removable module is selected for operation.
 15. The data storagesystem of claim 1 further comprising:a third plurality of conductorsfixedly secured in said base unit; a second removable module insertableinto said base unit, said second removable module havinga second diskdrive unit, said second disk drive unit having a transducer forconverting information stored on an information storage disk intoelectrical signals, a motor for affecting rotation of said informationstorage disk, said motor utilizing power from the power source of thebase unit for operation, and a housing; a second carrier for mountingsaid second disk drive unit therewith; and a fourth plurality ofconductors fixedly secured at an end of said second removable module,said fourth plurality of conductors being operatively coupled to saidsecond disk drive unit; said fourth plurality of conductors of saidsecond removable module being engageable in mating relation to saidthird plurality of conductors of said base unit in response to a loadingforce for moving said second removable module into a second finalassembled position in said base unit wherein all required electricaltransmission paths between said base unit and said second disk driveunit are completed; and a second visual indicator for indicating to auser that said second removable module is in said second final assembledposition, and wherein said removable module is removable from said finalassembled position in said base unit without affecting operation of saidsecond disk drive unit of said second removable module in said baseunit.
 16. The data storage system of claim 15 wherein said second visualindicator is a light source.
 17. The data storage system of claim 16wherein said light source is energized when said second removable moduleis in said second final assembled position.
 18. The data storage systemof claim 17 wherein said light source is deenergized after said secondremovable module is removed from said second final assembled position.19. The data storage system of claim 15 further comprising a sensor forsensing that said second removable module is in said second finalassembled position.
 20. The data storage system of claim 19 wherein saidsecond visual indicator is responsive to said sensor.
 21. The datastorage system of claim 15 wherein said second visual indicator furtherindicates when said second removable module becomes deenergized.
 22. Thedata storage system of claim 21 wherein said second visual indicatorcomprises a light source, and wherein said light source blinks when saidsecond removable module becomes deenergized.
 23. The data storage systemof claim 15 wherein said second visual indicator further indicates whensaid second removable module is removed from said second final assembledposition.
 24. The data storage system of claim 15 further comprising areleasable locking mechanism for locking said second removable module insaid second final assembled position.
 25. The data storage system ofclaim 15 further comprising a further visual indicator for indicating toa user that said second removable module is selected for operation. 26.The data storage system of claim 25 further comprising a sensor forsensing that said second removable module is selected for operation, andwherein said further visual indicator is responsive to said sensor. 27.The data storage system of claim 25 wherein said further visualindicator is a light source.
 28. The data storage system of claim 27wherein said light source is energized when said second removable moduleis selected for operation.
 29. The data storage system of claim 15wherein said base unit has a first single connector that comprises saidfirst plurality of conductors, wherein said first removable module has asecond single connector that comprises said second plurality ofconductors, wherein said base unit has a third single connector thatcomprises said third plurality of conductors, and wherein said secondremovable module has a fourth single connector that comprises saidfourth plurality of conductors.
 30. The data storage system of claim 1wherein said base unit has a first single connector that comprises saidfirst plurality of conductors, and wherein said removable module has asecond single connector that comprises said second plurality ofconductors.
 31. The data storage system of claim 1 wherein saidinformation storage disk is a hard disk.
 32. The data storage system ofclaim 1 wherein all required electrical transmission paths comprisedata, control and power paths.
 33. The data storage system of claim 1further comprising circuitry that enables said removable module to beremoved from said final assembled position in said base unit withoutaffecting operation of a remainder of the system.
 34. A data storagesystem comprising:a base unit having a power source and a firstplurality of conductors fixedly secured therein; a removable moduleinsertable into said base unit, said removable module havinga disk driveunit, said disk drive unit having a transducer for convertinginformation stored on an information storage disk into electricalsignals, a motor for affecting rotation of said information storagedisk, said motor utilizing power from said power source of said baseunit for operation, and a housing; a carrier for mounting said diskdrive unit therewith; and a second plurality of conductors fixedlysecured at an end of said removable module, said second plurality ofconductors being operatively coupled to said disk drive unit; saidsecond plurality of conductors of said removable module being engageablein mating relation to said first plurality of conductors of said baseunit in response to a loading force for moving said removable moduleinto a final assembled position in said base unit wherein all requiredelectrical transmission paths between said base unit and said disk driveunit are completed; a visual indicator for indicating to a user thatsaid removable module is selected for operation; and said removablemodule being removable from said final assembled position in said baseunit without affecting operation of a remainder of the system.
 35. Thedata storage system of claim 34 further comprising:a third plurality ofconductors fixedly secured in said base unit; a second removable moduleinsertable into said base unit, said second removable module havingasecond disk drive unit, said second disk drive unit having a transducerfor converting information stored on an information storage disk intoelectrical signals, a motor for affecting rotation of said informationstorage disk, the motor utilizing power from said power source of saidbase unit for operation, and a housing; a second carrier for mountingsaid second disk drive unit therewith; and a fourth plurality ofconductors fixedly secured at an end of said second removable module,said fourth plurality of conductors being operatively coupled to saidsecond disk drive unit; said fourth plurality of conductors of saidsecond removable module being engageable in mating relation to saidthird plurality of conductors of said base unit in response to a loadingforce for moving said second removable module into a second finalassembled position in said base unit wherein all required electricaltransmission paths between said base unit and said second disk driveunit are completed; and a second visual indicator for indicating to auser that said second removable module is selected for operation, andwherein said removable module is removable from said final assembledposition in said base unit without affecting operation of said seconddisk drive unit of said second removable module in said base unit. 36.The data storage system of claim 35 further comprising a sensor forsensing that said second removable module is selected for operation, andwherein said second visual indicator is responsive to said sensor. 37.The data storage system of claim 35 wherein said second visual indicatoris a light source.
 38. The data storage system of claim 37 wherein saidlight source is energized when said second removable module is selectedfor operation.
 39. The data storage system of claim 35 wherein said baseunit has a first single connector that comprises said first plurality ofconductors, wherein said first removable module has a second singleconnector that comprises said second plurality of conductors, whereinsaid base unit has a third single connector that comprises said thirdplurality of conductors, and wherein said second removable module has afourth single connector that comprises said fourth plurality ofconductors.
 40. The data storage system of claim 34 further comprising asensor for sensing that said removable module is selected for operation,and wherein said visual indicator is responsive to said sensor.
 41. Thedata storage system of claim 34 wherein said visual indicator is a lightsource.
 42. The data storage system of claim 41 wherein said lightsource is energized when said removable module is selected foroperation.
 43. The data storage system of claim 34 wherein said baseunit has a first single connector that comprises said first plurality ofconductors, and wherein said removable module has a second singleconnector that comprises said second plurality of conductors.
 44. Thedata storage system of claim 34 wherein all required electricaltransmission paths comprise data, control and power paths.
 45. The datastorage system of claim 34 wherein said information storage disk is ahard disk.
 46. The data storage system of claim 34 further comprisingcircuitry that enables said removable module to be removed from saidfinal assembled position in said base unit without affecting operationof a remainder of the system.
 47. A data storage system comprising:abase unit having a plurality of a first plurality of conductors fixedlysecured therein; a plurality of removable modules, each insertable intosaid base unit and each having a second plurality of conductors, a diskdrive unit operatively coupled to the second plurality of conductors,and a carrier, said second plurality of conductors of each of saidplurality of removable modules being engageable in mating relation toany one of said plurality of first plurality of conductors in responseto a loading force for moving the removable module into one of aplurality of final assembled positions in said base unit wherein allrequired electrical transmission paths between said base unit and thedisk drive unit are completed; a plurality of visual indicators, eachfor indicating when one of said plurality of removable modules is in oneof said plurality of final assembled positions; and each of saidplurality of removable modules being removable from its final assembledposition in said base unit without affecting operation of the respectivedisk drive unit of each of a remainder of said plurality of removablemodules in said base unit.
 48. The data storage system of claim 47wherein said base unit has a plurality of single connectors, and whereinsaid plurality of single connectors comprise said plurality of a firstplurality of conductors.
 49. The data storage system of claim 47 whereineach of said plurality of removable modules has a single connector, andwherein said single connector comprises said second plurality ofconductors.
 50. The data storage system of claim 47 wherein said diskdrive unit is a hard disk drive unit.
 51. The data storage system ofclaim 47 wherein all required electrical transmission paths comprisedata, control and power paths.
 52. The data storage system of claim 47further comprising circuitry that enables each of said plurality ofremovable modules to be removed from its final assembled position insaid base unit without affecting operation of the respective disk driveunit of each of a remainder of said plurality of removable modules insaid base unit.
 53. A data storage system comprising:a base unit havinga power source and a first plurality of conductors fixedly securedtherein; a first removable module insertable into said base unit, saidfirst removable module havinga first disk drive unit, said first diskdrive unit having a transducer for converting information stored on aninformation storage disk into electrical signals, a motor for affectingrotation of said information storage disk, said motor utilizing powerfrom said power source of said base unit for operation, and a housing; acarrier for mounting said first disk drive unit therewith; and a secondplurality of conductors fixedly secured at an end of said firstremovable module, said second plurality of conductors being operativelycoupled to said first disk drive unit; said second plurality ofconductors of said first removable module being engageable in matingrelation to said first plurality of conductors of said base unit inresponse to a loading force for moving said first removable module intoa first final assembled position in said base unit wherein all requiredelectrical transmission paths between said base unit and said first diskdrive unit are completed; a third plurality of conductors fixedlysecured in said base unit; a second removable module insertable intosaid base unit, said second removable module havinga second disk driveunit, said second disk drive unit having a transducer for convertinginformation stored on an information storage disk into electricalsignals, a motor for affecting rotation of said information storagedisk, said motor utilizing power from the power source of the base unitfor operation, and a housing; a second carrier for mounting said seconddisk drive unit therewith; and a fourth plurality of conductors fixedlysecured at an end of said second removable module, said fourth pluralityof conductors being operatively coupled to said second disk drive unit;said fourth plurality of conductors of said second removable modulebeing engageable in mating relation to said third plurality ofconductors of said base unit in response to a loading force for movingsaid second removable module into a second final assembled position insaid base unit wherein all required electrical transmission pathsbetween said base unit and said second disk drive unit are completed;and said first removable module being removable from said first finalassembled position in said base unit without affecting operation of saidsecond disk drive unit of said second removable module in said secondfinal assembled position in said base unit.
 54. The data storage systemof claim 53 wherein said base unit has a first single connector thatcomprises said first plurality of conductors, wherein said firstremovable module has a second single connector that comprises saidsecond plurality of conductors, wherein said base unit has a thirdsingle connector that comprises said third plurality of conductors, andwherein said second removable module has a fourth single connector thatcomprises said fourth plurality of conductors.
 55. The data storagesystem of claim 53 wherein said information storage disk is a hard disk.56. The data storage system of claim 53 wherein all required electricaltransmission paths comprise data, control and power paths.
 57. The datastorage system of claim 53 further comprising circuitry that enablessaid first removable module to be removed from said first finalassembled position in said base unit without affecting operation of saidsecond disk drive unit of said second removable module in said secondfinal assembled position in said base unit.
 58. A data storage systemcomprising:a base unit having a plurality of first connectors fixedlysecured therein; a plurality of removable modules, each insertable intosaid base unit and each having a second connector, a disk drive unitoperatively coupled to the second connector, and a carrier, the secondconnector of each of said plurality of removable modules beingengageable in mating relation to any one of said plurality of firstconnectors in response to a loading force for moving the removablemodule into one of a plurality of final assembled positions in said baseunit wherein all required electrical transmission paths between saidbase unit and the disk drive unit are completed; and each of saidplurality of removable modules being removable from its final assembledposition in said base unit without affecting operation of the respectivedisk drive unit of each of a remainder of said plurality of removablemodules in said base unit.
 59. The data storage system of claim 58wherein said disk drive unit is a hard disk drive unit.
 60. The datastorage system of claim 58 wherein all required electrical transmissionpaths comprise data, control and power paths.
 61. The data storagesystem of claim 58 further comprising circuitry that enables each ofsaid plurality of removable modules to be removed from its finalassembled position in said base unit without affecting operation of therespective disk drive unit of each of a remainder of said plurality ofremovable modules in said base unit.
 62. A data storage systemcomprising:a plurality of removable modules, each of said plurality ofremovable modules having a first connector, a disk drive unit, and acarrier; and a base unit, said base unit having a plurality of secondconnectors fixedly secured therein, said base unit receiving each ofsaid plurality of removable modules, in response to a loading force foreach, in a final assembled position in said base unit wherein the firstconnector engages one of said plurality of second connectors to completeall required electrical transmission paths between said base unit andthe disk drive unit, each of said plurality of removable modules beingremovable from its final assembled position in said base unit withoutaffecting operation of the respective disk drive unit of each of aremainder of said plurality of removable modules in said base unit. 63.The data storage system of claim 62 wherein said disk drive unit is ahard disk drive unit.
 64. The data storage system of claim 62 whereinall required electrical transmission paths comprise data, control andpower paths.
 65. The data storage system of claim 62 further comprisingcircuitry that enables each of said plurality of removable modules to beremoved from its final assembled position in said base unit withoutaffecting operation of the respective disk drive unit of each of aremainder of said plurality of removable modules in said base unit.